persistent

adjective

Save Word

per·sis·tent | \ pər-ˈsi-stənt

, -ˈzi- \

Definition of persistent

1 : existing for a long or longer than usual time or continuously: such as

a : retained beyond the usual period a persistent leaf

b : continuing without change in function or structure persistent gills

c : effective in the open for an appreciable time usually through slow volatilizing mustard gas is persistent

d : degraded only slowly by the environment persistent pesticides

e : remaining infectious for a relatively long time in a vector after an initial period of incubation persistent viruses

2a : continuing or inclined to persist in a course

b : continuing to exist despite interference or treatment a persistent cough has been in a persistent vegetative state for two years

Other Words from persistent Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More About persistent

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of persistent in a Sentence

Contrary to persistent myth, Hoover was an activist. — Steve Forbes, Forbes, 30 June 2008 The high-water mark of such truckling might be the publication of the Cato Institute report "America's Record Trade Deficit: A Symbol of Strength." Freedom had become slavery; persistent deficits had become economic power. — Eric Janszen, Harper's, February 2008 The silence started from your end just about the time you said good-bye to dear St. Elizabeth and it has been constant and persistent ever since. — Archibald Macleish, letter, 11 July 1959 We were nagged by a persistent salesman. He is one of the government's most persistent critics. She has been persistent in pursuing the job. He has been fighting a persistent cold. Flooding has been a persistent problem in the area this year. Persistent rumors that the business is for sale have alarmed the staff.

Recent Examples on the Web Meyer was indicted in October of the same year on two counts of murder, four counts of wanton endangerment, possession of meth, persistent felony offender, and feeling and evading, according to court records. — Kaitlin Lewis, The Enquirer, 4 Oct. 2021 This is the game that advanced the persistent narrative that Kershaw was an ineffective postseason pitcher. — Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2021 Infections in the current outbreak in New Zealand have been low by international standards, but persistent, as the virus spread among poorer households and into surrounding regions. — Stephen Wright, WSJ, 4 Oct. 2021 Lead, mercury and dioxins are considered persistent bioaccumulative toxic substances by the EPA. — Phil Mckenna And James Bruggers, The Courier-Journal, 4 Oct. 2021 But Beijing’s persistent use of subsidies is broad and deep and distorts global markets, yet WTO rules may be too limited to provide a fix. — Christine Mcdaniel, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2021 Other economists also think that inflation in Europe could prove persistent, particularly given higher gas and electricity prices heading into winter and as supply chains remain constrained. — Hanna Ziady, CNN, 1 Oct. 2021 The persistent increase also suggests a resurgence in coronavirus infections, driven by the delta variant of the virus, could be affecting the labor market. — Washington Post, 1 Oct. 2021 Indianapolis Metropolitan Police began an investigation into the west-side bar and the Betancourts in November 2020, after persistent violent incidents among customers at the business. — Lawrence Andrea, The Indianapolis Star, 30 Sep. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'persistent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.